Local News

Congressman Jason Smith congratulated Congressional Art Competition finalists and winner during a reception at the Southeast Missouri State University River Campus on Monday evening, May 1st. Avery Coffman, a senior at Salem R-80, won the 8th Congressional District Competition with a work of the St. Jude Chapel in Montauk, MO. The piece was completed by burning a drawing of the church into a piece of wood. The work of the St. Jude Chapel will be displayed in the United States Capitol for a full year and Avery will receive 2 round trip tickets to Washington, DC to attend the Congressional Art Competition reception with other winners from around the country. 11th grader Marlene Schuh, also of Salem, was also a finalist.

An accident occurred Tuesday, April 24th on Highway 19. According to the Salem Police report, a 2001 Honda FXDWG, driven by Marcus Sapaugh, was east bound on Franklin and stopped at a stop sign waiting to turn left when he failed to see a northbound 2008 Mazda 3, driven by Penny Lanham, The Mazda attempted to avoid Sapaugh by swerving, and Sapaugh attempted to avoid Lanham by laying down on the left side. Sapaugh was ejected from the Honda as the vehicles collided. The Mazda sustained minor damage, and the Honda sustained Moderate damage. Sapaugh sustained minor injuries and was transported to Salem Memorial District Hospital by ambulance.

An accident happened Tuesday afternoon at 2:52 on Highway 72 about five miles south of Rolla. According to the highway patrol report, a 2008 Ford Explorer driven southbound by 76-year old Roberta Allman of Rolla, was making a left turn into a private drive and was struck from behind by a 2011 Chevrolet Cruze driven southbound by 18-year old Karlie Johns of Salem. The collision caused the Explorer to overturn and travel off the left side of the roadway. Johns and Allman both suffered minor injuries and were taken by the Phelps County Ambulance to the Phelps County Regional Medical Center. They were both wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Chevrolet was totaled and removed from the scene by Whitakers Towing. The Explorer was also totaled and removed from the scene by Ron Dishman’s Towing.

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors held their May meeting Tuesday evening at the fire station. After approval of the agenda and minutes from the previous meeting, the Board reviewed and approved the bills as presented. The budget was reviewed with a general revenue balance at the end of April of $148,779.15. The balance for same dates in 2017 was $92,161.07. The monthly reimbursement report was presented with a total of 36 calls for the month. No further information was available as the department was at a pallet fire on Highway 119 for most of the day. In old business, it was reported that engine 85 is still in the shop for Department of Transportation lights to be installed and updated. The sub frame is also being repaired and structurally increased. Truck 89 radios are being installed, programmed and set up for the command center. Work on truck 89 should be completed this week. Chief Brad Nash presented the board with copies of lawyer agreements, lease agreement, and warranty deed paperwork for review by the board. This paperwork is necessary for the completion of the grant the department received from the USDA and will be discussed at the next meeting. Chief Nash also reported the new UTV is outfitted and in service. The UTV can be used for various jobs ranging from brush fires to search and rescue. June 5th was set for the next meeting to take place at 6:00 p.m. at the fire station and the meeting was adjourned.

The Missouri Department of Conservation is reviewing regulations of the Wildlife Code of Missouri regarding gigging on Ozark streams and wants public input through a brief online survey regarding timing of the season, season length, and comments. You can share your input on gigging on Ozark streams through the Missouri Department of Conservation homepage at mdc.mo.gov under GIGGING FEEDBACK. Please take the survey by June 15.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday at the courthouse for their regular meeting. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell stated materials would be added and grading would be done on Dent County Roads 4160 and 5520, while only grading will be done on county roads 4220, 6660 and 6670. Purcell indicated materials would be added to Dent County Road 5490, brush would be cut on county road 6240, and chip and seal repairs would be made to Dent County Road 4180. He asked drivers to use caution when driving that road and be aware of the county workers making those road repairs. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson reported that grading was being done on Dent County Roads 2160, 2165 and 3300, while materials would be added and grading done on county roads 4380 and 5260. Larson said brush would be cut on Dent County Road 4290 while a man would be going to Springfield to get oil for chip and seal repair. A man will also be replenishing the supply of chips for the chip and seal repair. Another man from District 2 will be screening brown rock. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles wanted to congratulate Chaplain Richard LaBrash and everyone at the American Legion/VFW Post on Highway 32 West for an extremely successful Veteran’s Affairs Day this past Friday. A number of veteran’s were helped by the event. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported she attended the South Central County Clerk’s meeting held at West Plains along with Dent County Assessor Tina Whitaker. They met with the State Tax Commission and went over the new online formal reporting for clerks and assessors. Curley said it is very important that the numbers are reported properly as the numbers they report can affect what schools and other entities receive in taxes. She said the reporting could also affect CART funds and more. Curley reminded the commission the courthouse would be closed on May 8th for Truman’s Birthday. At 10:00, bids were opened for the sale of a sheriff’s vehicle and three bids were received ranging from $300 to $660 dollars. The county accepted the bid of $660 from Jimmy Whitaker. The commissioners also set the meeting of the Board of Equalization for 1:00 on Monday, July 16th in the Commissioners office at the courthouse. If you have an issue to bring before the board, you must make an appointment by contacting the Dent County Clerk’s office at 729-4144 or stopping by the clerk’s office at the Dent County Courthouse. At the last meeting, Sheriff Bob Wells and Sergeant Lenny Pabin came in to discuss a camera being placed in the Associate Circuit Courtroom and a couple on the outside of the building as well. The commission said Rommel Lock and Key could install one and get an estimate back to the commission on the others. The cameras will be paid for out of the LERF fund. They also discussed a county work program for Drug Court clients under supervision instead of going to jail. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Thursday morning at 9:00 and the meeting is open to the public.

The pedestrian bridge over the Jacks Fork River along Highway 106 at Alley Spring is permanently closed and the Jacks Fork River beneath and adjacent to the bridge is temporarily closed to all visitor use. This includes all activities such as swimming, floating, fishing and gravel bar use within 100 feet of the bridge. This closure does not affect the highway bridge, which is next to the pedestrian bridge. The pedestrian bridge was structurally damaged during the April 2017 flood and was closed to foot traffic at that time while the park sought funding to repair the bridge and the damaged water and sewer utilities beneath. Then in February 2018, additional flooding caused an eight-foot rise of the Jacks Fork River. A recent emergency inspection performed by a Federal Highway Administration bridge engineer determined the stability of the pedestrian bridge has been further compromised and has now created a safety hazard to anyone nearby. The National Park Service has been notified that ongoing movement of two of the bridge piers has increased. Based on field observations and evaluation of the bridge plans, any increase in water volume or wind has the potential to cause the structure to collapse. Closure of the river below it is required to avoid injury to park visitors to avoid personal injury should the bridge collapse. Park visitors who are floating upstream from the bridge must take out at the Alley Spring gravel bar above the bridge (near the campground) and are prohibited from floating underneath the bridge. The Burr Oak day use area just downstream from the bridge will serve as an alternate river access for concession operations and visitors who want to float downstream from Alley Spring. The Burr Oak day use area is located on the north side of the Jacks Fork River, just south of the Alley Mill parking lot. The Alley Spring pedestrian bridge isscheduled for removal as soon as possible, but that will likely occur later in 2018. The pedestrian bridge and adjacent section of the Jacks Fork River will remain closed until demolition is complete and the hazard is removed.

The Dent County Soil and Water District will be holding an Open House and Supervisor election today at their offices at 1012 East Scenic Rivers Blvd in Salem. The polls will be open from 11:30 until 5:30 and refreshments will be served.

An online Community Confidence survey is now available and GRO Salem needs your help. The purpose of this survey is to gain an understanding of how our community members perceive your community. The goal is to conduct this survey on an annual basis and closely monitor changes from year to year. This is a follow up survey to the one that was done last year and your response will help monitor changes from the previous year. The data collected will be crucial in helping us understand where our Community and Economic Development efforts are driving positive impact and where additional efforts need to be expended. Surveys need to be completed by May 25th, and your response is appreciated. Let your friends, neighbors, co-workers, church family and anyone who lives, has lived or works in Salem know about this survey as the more responses received, the better GRO Salem can assess what needs to be addressed. There are only five questions and the survey should take no more than five minutes of your time to complete. You can find the survey by copying and adding this address to your browser and clicking enter: https://goo.gl/forms/nrTLyHKdRp8qXl4P2.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released some reports. On Sunday, April 22nd, deputies received a report of fraudulent use of a debit/credit device. It was reported that a pre-paid debit card was taken from their mailbox and used. This report is still under investigation. On Monday, April 23rd, deputies went to a residence on Dent County Road 6287 for a report of a stolen utility trailer. It was described as a black 1999 L&D with short side rails. The trailer was 6 foot by 16 foot. This report is still under investigation. That same day, deputies traveled to a residence on Route U to locate a female with a Phelps County warrant. The female, a 40-year old Salem woman, was located in a camper on the property. She was arrested and transported to the Dent County Jail. She was also found to be in possession of a red glass-smoking device with marijuana residue in it. She was later released to Phelps County. On Wednesday, April 25th, deputies responded to a report of a burglary at a residence in the 10,000 block of Highway 19 North. Upon arrival, deputies were told that the homeowner caught two people inside the residence and they fled. A vehicle description was gathered and the vehicle was located a short time later. The driver, a 29-year old Salem woman, was arrested and taken to the Dent County Jail. After an investigation, a 21-year old Salem man was arrested the next day. They were both charged with accessory to 2nd degree burglary. If anyone has information about an investigation, please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at 729-3241.

The Dent County Fire protection District will hold their next board meeting on Tuesday, May 1st at 6:00 at the Dent County Fire Protection District Fire House. The board will review financial reports, approve bills, review the calendar for upcoming events, and discuss the monthly reimbursement report. After old business will be new business where the board will review and sign a new resolution if approved that reads this way: “A Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Dent County Fire Protection District approving and authorizing the execution of a series of agreements and documents with the Dent County Emergency Response Association to allow for certain repairs to a fire station and adjoining parking lot; authorizing the Chairman of the District and other district personnel to execute such agreements, instruments and documents, to adopt such other resolutions, and to take such other actions as may be necessary to fully implement and complete said agreements.” After the board hears reports, the directors will set the next meeting date for Tuesday, June 5th. The meeting will then be adjourned.

The Salem Police Department responded to a number of calls on Monday, April 23rd. The first call was at 3:27 as an officer was contacted at the Salem Police Department in reference to a burglary. The investigation of the report revealed that a person or persons unknown entered a residence in the 200 block of West Hunt and took items valued at $1,550.00. The report is under investigation. At about 4:34 that afternoon, an officer was dispatched to Wal-Mart in reference to a shoplifter. That investigation led to the detention of a 16-year old female juvenile of Salem for stealing merchandise
valued at $12.29. The juvenile suspect was released to her mother and the report will be forwarded to the Juvenile Office. That evening near 9:39, an officer was sent back to Wal-Mart in reference to a shoplifter. The investigation of this report led to the arrest of a 17-year-old male and a 17-year-old female, both of Salem, for stealing merchandise valued at $6.18. The suspects were issued summonses to appear in court and released. Later that evening at about 11:27, officers returned to Wal-Mart for another report of a shoplifter. The investigation of the report revealed that a 35-year-old female of Salem had taken merchandise valued at $9.94 and left the store without paying for it. The report is under investigation. At approximately 11:31 that night, a vehicle was stopped for a warrant investigation. That investigation led to the arrest of a 29-year old male of Salem on an active arrest warrant from Missouri State Probation and Parole. The suspect was incarcerated pending a court appearance. If anyone has information regarding any ongoing investigation, please contact the Salem Police Department at 729-4242.

According to the Reynolds County Sheriff’s Department, 19-year old Nick Barton of Bunker has been charged with a Class A Felony of 2nd degree murder in the shooting death of 42-year old Cameron Dale Hill of Bunker. He is also charged with a Class C Felony for the delivery of a controlled substance. According to documents from the Prosecuting Attorney’s office, the police investigation showed that Barton arranged to sell a quantity of prescription Oxycodone to another man. Barton attempted to meet the individual but made contact with Hill instead. During that contact, officials say there was a confrontation and Barton fired several shots causing Hill’s death. Deputies found Hill lying face down on the ground near a vehicle off of Reynolds County Road 844 after they received a call to check on the well being of a person. Hill’s body was taken to Farmington Tuesday for an autopsy and the results have not yet been released. The investigation of the incident by the Reynolds County Sheriff’s Department and the Missouri Highway Patrol Division of Drug and Crime Control is continuing.

The Dent County Soil and Water District will be holding an Open House and Supervisor election on Tuesday, May 1st at their offices at 1012 East Scenic Rivers Blvd in Salem. The polls will be open from 11:30 until 5:30 and refreshments will be served.

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting Thursday morning in the Dent County Courthouse. In the road report, District One Commissioner Dennis Purcell reported he had a crew upgrading a creek crossing on Dent County Road 5520 including the addition of materials, plus patch grading would be done on that road. He added that he had another crew patching chip and seal on Dent County Roads 2400, 6150 and 6180. Purcell urged drivers to use caution on those roadways as they travel around the work areas. District Two Commissioner Gary Larson reported brush would be cut on Dent County Road 5240, plus materials would be added to county roads 2630 and 3300. He went on to say that two men were working on repairing an air leak on Truck #116, plus a man was screening rock at the Road and Bridge Department. Larson noted that grading would resume next week once the roadways dried out. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles reported that on Monday he met with Russ Runge of Ozark National Scenic Riverways to discuss a number of issues. Runge updated Skiles on the progress to date on repairing last year’s flood damages to campgrounds, roadways, buildings, etc. Skiles noted that the feral hog problem was also discussed. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported that Thursday she attended a luncheon meeting at the Community Center @ the Armory about the salemmo.com website, which the groups share. She went on to say that today she and the county assessor would be attending the South Central Regional County Clerks’ regional meeting in West Plains. Curley said the group would hear from the State Tax Commission about revisions and online reporting. She said that bills were being approved by the Commissioners for payment. The Commissioners set May 14th at 10:00 for a budget adjustment hearing to include the CDBG grant for the Dent County Fire Protection District. A decision on bids for culverts, which had been postponed from a previous meeting, was revisited with the bid from Metal Culverts, Inc. being accepted for metal culverts and the bid from Viebrock Sales and Service, Inc. was accepted for polypropylene culverts. The next regular meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be Monday morning at 9:00 in the Courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The Salem Police Department has released a number of reports. On Thursday afternoon, April 19th at about 3:50, an officer was dispatched to Wal-Mart in reference to a shoplifter. The investigation of the report led to the arrest of a 50-year old female of Salem for stealing merchandise valued at $10.00. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. On Sunday, April 22nd at about 8:57 in the evening, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. The investigation of the stop led to the arrest of a 37-year old male of Salem on an active arrest warrant from St. Francois County. The suspect was incarcerated pending extradition. That evening at approximately 10:11, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. The stop led to the arrest of a 29-year old male of Salem for the possession of methamphetamine drug paraphernalia. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. On Tuesday evening, April 24th at about 9:54, an officer located a 32-year old male from Pevely at a residence in the 400 block of South Askins who had an active arrest warrant from Dent County. The suspect was taken into custody on the warrant and incarcerated pending a court appearance. If anyone has information regarding any ongoing investigation, please contact the Salem Police Department at 729-4242.

A death investigation by the Reynolds County Sheriff’s office and Missouri State Highway Patrol Division of Drug and Crime Control is currently underway in Reynolds County. According to Reynolds County Sheriff Tom Stout, deputies found 42-year old Cameron Dale Hill dead after his office received a call to check on his well being. The preliminary investigation showed that he died from an apparent gunshot wound. There are persons of interest in the case, and investigators are following up on these leads, according to the sheriff’s office. An autopsy is being done in Farmington to determine the actual cause of death. Sheriff Stout said there is no reason to believe the community is in danger. No other information is available at this time.

An accident happened in Dent County on Dent County Road 4110 about a mile east of Salem Tuesday afternoon at about 4:50. According to the highway patrol report, 30-year old Jacob Likes of Salem was driving a 2014 Motovox Motorbike westbound when he lost control of the motorbike at which time the vehicle overturned and ejected Likes. Likes suffered moderate injuries and was taken to the Salem Memorial District Hospital. He was not wearing safety devices at the time of the accident. The motorbike had minor damage and was removed from the scene by a private party.

Time is running out to sign up for a number of 4-H Camps for this summer. The traditional 4-H Camp at Camp Clover Points at the Lake of the Ozarks State Park will be held June 4th through the 7th where children will swim, play games, sing songs, do crafts and so much more. This camp is not limited to only 4-H members. The cost is $130 per child if they are in 4-H and $140.00 if they are a non-4-H member. There will also be a 4-H Shooting Sports Camp from June 21st through the 23rd that is designed to explore the world of 4-H shooting sports including archery, air pistol and air rifle for children ages 8-18. State Certified Shooting Sports instructors will be there every step of the way. The cost of that camp is $125. New this year is a 4-H Canine Camp for those who are 8 to 18 years of age where the 4-Her can bring their dog to camp and be ready to train the animal to reach great heights while still being able to enjoy swimming, canoeing and more. The cost is $175 for the Canine Camp. Scholarships are also available for the camps. For more information about being a 4-H member or the camps, contact Linda Shelton at the Dent County Extension Center at 729-3196 or e-mail her at sheltonl@missouri.edu.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released some reports. On Monday, April 16th, deputies responded to the 8 UP Ink on South Missouri Street in Salem for a burglary. It was reported that tattoo machine power units and tattoo ink were stolen from inside the business. This report is still under investigation. On Wednesday, April 18th, deputies responded to a residence on Highway 68 for a report of an intoxicated individual entering a house and attempting to assault a resident. A 68-year old Salem man was arrested for burglary and assault. He was taken to the Dent County Jail. That same day, deputies traveled to Dent County Road 6680 for an investigation of a sex offender living at an unregistered address. After the investigation, a 62-year old Salem man was arrested for failure to register as a sex offender. He was taken to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated. On Thursday, April 19th, deputies responded to a residence on Route YY for a report of a burglary. It was found that someone had stolen a pitchfork, shovel, and air compressor. This report is still under investigation. That same day, deputies traveled to a residence on Private Lane 413 to attempt to arrest a 39-year old Salem man with a warrant. He was located and taken into custody. Deputies also found a metal smoking device with burnt marijuana residue in it. He was taken to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated. On April 21st, deputies responded to a residence on Dent County Road 5260 for a report of a burglary. This report is still under investigation. If anyone has information about an ongoing investigation, please call the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at 729-3241.

Healthy Dent County will be hosting a Color Run on Friday, May 11th at the Tiger Trail at the Salem Upper Elementary School starting at 6:00 with registration beginning at 5:00. The pre-registration fee is $12.00 for students up to 18 years of age with adults over 18 being $15.00. This fee includes the registration, color Run T-Shirt as well as sunglasses. You can pre-register through Friday, April 27th at the salem Community Center@The Armory. You can also register the day of the Color Run for the same fee, but you will not receive the T-shirt or sunglasses. The money raised by the Color Run will be donated to the Dent County Love Pack Backpack program. For more information, contact Melissa Dubois at the Salem Community Center@The Armory at 729-8163.

The American Legion Walker-Roney Post #99 and VFW Hall on Highway 32 West will be holding their Veteran’s Affair Day this Friday, April 27th from 10:00 in the morning until 2:00 in the afternoon with donuts provided just after 9:00 in the morning by the “donut dollies” sponsored by the Dent County Service Unit of the Salvation Army. This special outreach is being held in an effort to help veterans of rural Missouri in the 16th District get answers to their VA related questions close to home. The district includes those veterans from Crawford, Dent, Howell, Laclede, Maries, Phelps, Pulaski, Shannon, Texas and Wright counties. Representatives from the VA will be in attendance to assist in enrollment and specialists will help with processing claims. There will be representatives from organizations that provide aid to homeless veterans and those who need help with living expenses. Staff members from Senator McCaskill and Blunt’s offices will be in there as well as a staffer from Representative Jason Smith’s office. A light lunch will be provided around noon for those in attendance. Chaplain Richard LaBrash said the Veteran’s Administration has changed their position on Care Giver status in caring for veterans. He said this would benefit some spouses or family members that currently give care to veterans at home as long as they meet the three requirements. To see if you meet these qualifications for these benefits, or if you have any questions about other veteran’s benefits or new requirements, make plans to attend the Veteran’s Affair Day in Salem on Highway 32 West. This is open to all those who served in the military branches and those who served with the National Guard as well. For more information or to be scheduled, call (573) 729-1394 or (573) 729-3710.

The Salem Police have released a number of reports. On Thursday, April 12th at approximately 4:39 in the evening, an officer transported a 28-year old female of Salem from Missouri Private Probation Services on Fourth Street to Dent County Jail where she was incarcerated on an active arrest warrant from the State of Missouri. On Friday, April 13th at about 1:32 in the afternoon, an officer was dispatched to a child abuse hotline call at a residence in the 1500 block of South Macarthur. The investigation of the call led to the arrest of a 63-year old male of Salem for the possession of marijuana. The suspect was released pending the issuance of a criminal summons to appear in court. Later that evening near 10:25, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 1300 block of Iron Mountain Road in reference to a domestic disturbance. That investigation led to the arrest of a 33-year old male of Salem for fourth degree domestic assault. The suspect was incarcerated on a 12-hour hold and issued a summons to appear in court. On Saturday, April 14th at about 4:45 in the afternoon, an officer was sent to a residence in the 300 block of West Ninth in reference to a domestic disturbance. The investigation of the report led to the arrest of a 22-year old female of Salem on an active arrest warrant from Dent County and the possession of a controlled substance. Also arrested was a 27-year old male of Salem for the possession of a controlled substance. Both suspects were incarcerated pending the application for warrants. On Tuesday, April 17th at approximately 8:37 in the evening, an officer was detailed to a residence in the 1000 block of East Center in reference to a disturbance. The investigation of the report revealed a 26-year old female of Salem had assaulted a 22-year old female of Salem. Further investigation led to the arrest of the suspect who was issued a summons to appear in court and released. Please contact the Salem Police Department at 729-4242 if you have any information regarding an investigation.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol is encouraging qualified individuals of all backgrounds to apply for its 106th Recruit Class. They will offer testing at eight different locations in Missouri. Those who successfully complete testing will be eligible to continue in the selection process for the 106th Recruit Class, scheduled to begin training on July 2, 2018. To be eligible candidates must possess a minimum of 30 college credits, or two years of federal active duty military service with an honorable discharge, or two years of full-time POST certified experience as a law enforcement officer with arrest authority, at the time recruit training begins. The starting salary for trooper is $3,430 per month while in training; $3,516 per month after six months; and $3,736 per month at two years of service. Other benefits include group health insurance, contributory retirement, career advancement, and more. Interested persons can find out more about the qualifications by contacting a Patrol recruiter at telephone number 1-800-796-7000, or may apply online at www.motrooper.com.

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting Monday morning in the Dent County Courthouse. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams came in to report that the CART receipts for April were $55,438.89. She reported year-to-date receipts were up $1,764.84 or .81%. In the road report, District One Commissioner Dennis Purcell said due to the rain he had crews out checking for clogged pipes and crossovers. He added that brush was being cut on Dent County Roads 6283 and 6495, plus he had a man stockpiling materials at the County Road and Bridge Department. District Two Commissioner Gary Larson reported that materials would be added to Dent County Roads 2550 and 3190, plus when the weather permits, chip and seal repair on county road 3220 would be completed. He added he had a crew putting in a pipe on Dent County Road 2550, plus his men were checking for clogged pipes. Larson said that some of his crew was working on a particular pipe on Dent County Road 2180 that habitually washes out. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles reported that on Thursday he attending the Listening Session at the US Forest Service, the purpose of which was to give the public the opportunity to discuss issues with Forest Service personnel. Skiles said some of the topics discussed included trail maintenance and accessibility, private property access, timber harvest permits, and feral hogs. Friday he attended the MRPC Re-investment Committee meeting in St. James where the due structure changes were the major topic. Skiles indicated he would present specifics of the changes once the final decision is approved by MRPC. The next meeting of the Commissioners will be Thursday morning in the Courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

An accident occurred Sunday morning at 2:55 in Phelps County about 8 miles east of St. James on Highway 8. According to the highway patrol report, a 2000 Lincoln Continental Town Car, driven by 18-year old Makayla Potts of Vichy, was traveling westbound when it traveled off the right side of the road. Potts overcorrected, traveled back across the roadway, struck a guardrail, rotated counter clockwise, and struck a bridge rail face. Potts and two passengers, 17-year old Kennedi Mathis of St. James and 16-year old Kylee Wilken of St. Clair, suffered moderate injuries. Potts and Wilken were transferred to Phelps County Regional Medical Center, while Mathis sought her own treatment. A third passenger, 19-year old Michael Tanner of Steelville, suffered minor injuries and sought his own treatment. No one was wearing a safety restrain at the time of the accident. The Lincoln sustained moderate damage and was towed by Spurgeon’s Towing of St. James.

An accident happened Sunday at 2:05 in the afternoon in Phelps County on Highway 63 at Phelps County Road 2000. According to the highway patrol report, 72-year old Robert Hill of St. James driving a 2009 Ford Ranger westbound, failed to yield to an oncoming 2001 Toyota Rav4 driven by 19-year old Michael Cunningham that was traveling northbound, and pulled into the path of the vehicle causing a collision. Hill and Cunningham each suffered minor injuries and were taken to the Phelps County Regional Medical Center. The Ford Ranger was totaled and removed from the scene by C&C Towing while the Toyota Rav4 sustained extensive damage and was removed by C&S Towing. Both Hill and Cunningham were wearing seat restraints.

Dalton Sanders of the Salem FFA Chapter was named state winner in the Missouri Teach Ag public speaking contest at the 90th Missouri FFA Convention, April 19th & 20th, 2018, in Columbia. This year’s theme was “Ag Educators: Building Communities” which focuses on promoting agricultural education and emphasizes the importance of agricultural education in communities. This contest was sponsored by Missouri Teach Ag. The Missouri FFA has 25,375 members representing 343 chapters. The national organization has more than 653,000 members representing 8,568 chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The Spring Creek Artisans will be hosting SpringFest on Saturday from 9:00 in the morning until 2:00 in the afternoon at the historic Bonebrake Center in Salem at the corner of Rolla Road and Hickory Street. Phillip Gentry, a woodcarver specializing in wood caricatures, will be the featured artist. Come see all of our new artists work. A wide variety of handmade items, from original paintings, wood carvings and turnings, pottery, baskets, fiber art, quilts, cornhusk dolls, gourd art, stained glass, jewelry, metal sculpture and gift cards will be on sale. The first 50 customers will receive a free seed packet just in time for spring planting. For additional information you can contact Russ Biros, president of the artisans at 417-458-9894.

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting Thursday morning in the Dent County Courthouse. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles was attending a Listening Post at the US Forest Service facility. Assistant Dent County Clerk Crystal Pilkington appointed District One Commissioner Dennis Purcell as acting Presiding Commissioner. Salem Mayor Brad Nash and City Attorney Camm Seay were in to update the Commission on a small change to the Memorandum of Understanding relative to Iron Street. The Aldermen wanted an addition to the MOU that Iron Street would revert back to the City of Salem if the street was not used for the Justice Center. Both Purcell and District One Commissioner Gary Larson indicated they saw no problem with the change. Nash indicated he had discussed the change with Commissioner Skiles. Seay said that the change would be noted to Dent County Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Curley and that an ordinance finalizing the transaction would be presented at the next City Council Meeting. In the road report Commissioner Purcell said that grading would be done and materials would be added to Dent County Roads 5420, 5410 and 6280. He said that Monday he attended the Tourism Tax Board meeting where three proposals were approved, one was tabled waiting for more information, and one reimbursement request was approved. Purcell noted that on Tuesday he attended the South Central Community Action Agency meeting in Winona and that the seven basic programs still have funds available for qualifiers. He said the local contact number is (573) 729-3500 and ask for Sarah. Commissioner Larson said that grading would be done and materials would be added to Dent County Road 4405, plus he had a call about trees down on Dent County Road 4380, which his crew took care of. He said he had a crew patching chip and seal on Dent County Roads 3210 and 3220. Pilkington reported that the Commissioners were approving bills for payment. John McIntyre addressed the Commissioners relative to the article in this week’s Salem News about Nuisance Properties in Dent County. McIntyre voiced his opposition to new regulations, but instead encouraged the Commissioners to work towards enforcement of existing regulations. He cited a number of states where he has lived &/or owned property and that it seemed each and every state had numerous regulations, but the enforcement of them was always lacking. Beth Frizzell, Dent County Tax Board Chair, was in to propose the selection of John Johnston for the Board. The Commissioners approved Johnston’s appointment. The next meeting of the Commission will be Monday morning in the Courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The Salem Police Department released their report for the month of March. During the month, they wrote two equipment repair orders, 18 summons to appear in court, six warning tickets, and 19 traffic tickets. The Salem Police Department investigated 13 accidents, one assault, two burglaries, two reports of a dog bite, four reports of domestic violence, six driving while being intoxicated reports, seven driving while having their license revoked or suspended, two fraud reports, one harassment report, and three reports of leaving the scene of an accident. The department also investigated two reports of minor in possession or intoxicants, seven reports of possession of a controlled substance, four reports of possession of drug paraphernalia, one report of property damage, and three reports of resisting or interfering with an arrest, eleven reports of stealing, one tampering report, and had two 96 hour commitments. They also served eight fugitive warrants and five city warrants. The police department received 1,280 calls for service during the month and handled 72 walk-ins to the station. They spent 20 hours in court testifying and 10 hours as court bailiff. The Salem Police Department drove a total of 8,813 miles and arrested 23 males and 9 females during the month of March.

Come to the Bonebrake Center of Nature and History tonight at 7:30 for another sky watching event. As the sky starts to darken, the focus will be on the Moon, as the craters become sharper. The line between the bright side of the Moon and darkness represents places where the Sun is rising on the Moon. In those places, there will be the most definition on the Moon’s surface. Some of the Moon’s most interesting features and craters will be on display this night. For anyone eager to take Moon photos, we’ll have a holder to help you get an impressive picture. The sky is full of interesting objects. These sky watches are always fun and handouts are provided to those attending, and you can get answers to questions, and sometimes enjoy a surprise or two! Dress for the weather and come enjoy the views and experience a tour of the sky. This program is appropriate for the whole family and will be mostly outdoors. There will be access to the house and light snacks. The suggested donation is $1.00 per person or $5.00 for the whole family, but no one will be turned away. If it appears the night sky will be too cloudy, the program will be postponed. Registrants may call or text 573-247-0279 if there is a question about possible cancellation.

Today..Cloudy with a 60% chance for rain by noon, with occasional showers this afternoon, high of 58.
Tonight..Cloudy with a 30% chance for rain, low of 49.
Tuesday..Partly sunny, high of 69.
Tuesday night..Partly cloudy, low of 47.
Wednesday..Mostly cloudy, high around 64.